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If you’re familiar at all with the van market, then you’ll know that an increasing number of van drivers are making the switch from their old combustion vehicle to newer, electric models. The reason why so many tradespeople are deciding to make the switch? Well, not only do they have less impact on the environment, but they are highly innovative and offer economical benefits (wave goodbye to those congestion charges!).
Two such manufacturers who have made their vans available in electric transmission include both MAN and Maxus, both companies who have made their mark in the van world, despite having to compete with some of the leading names.
In this review, we will be specifically looking at the MAN eTGE Dropside and the Maxus eDeliver 9 Dropside vans, comparing the two in order to give you an idea of how different electric dropside vans perform, should you be considering making the switch.
Engines and Spec
Getting straight into it, then, let’s look at the specifications of both and how this equates to their performance on the road. Focusing first on the MAN eTGE, this operates using a 36kWh battery pack, which sits underneath the floor of the chassis so you don’t have to worry about it eating into the loading space of your dropside!
In comparison to other electric vans on the market, this is a relatively small battery, which is reflected by its driving range. According to WLTP, the eTGE can manage a maximum range of 68-71 miles, which of course may differ depending on your driving habits (i.e. harshness of acceleration and braking). However, this can be extended thanks to its recuperation properties, in which energy is restored back into the battery each time you brake.
The eDeliver 9 Dropside, on the other hand, uses a slightly larger battery of 65kWh, allowing it to manage a higher range of 90 miles. Though this is still limited when it comes to making longer journeys, it is certainly enough to get you from A to B on a standard work day.
As for charging, the eTGE, naturally, charges in slightly less time thanks to having a smaller battery, reaching a full charge in 5 hours and 20 minutes from a standard AC wall charger, whilst the eDeliver 9 takes 6.5 hours. Interestingly, though, when using a DC fast charger, the Maxus is quicker, reaching 80% in as little as 36 minutes, whereas the eTGE takes ever so slightly longer with 45 minutes.
It should be noted that neither of these vans are particularly ideal for motorway driving. Not only are they limited by their range, but they’re also restricted by their top speeds. The eDeliver 9 has a top speed of 62mph, which in theory would make it possible for you to safely travel on the motorway, though you would be limited to sticking in the first lane. However, you would still be able to meet national speed limits when driving elsewhere.
The eTGE’s top speed is even less, sitting at 56mph, which is not considered particularly safe for motorway driving due to being too slow in comparison to the rest of the traffic. This is still nippy enough to get around a town or city, however, though urban areas such as these usually don’t require such speeds, anyway.
Interior
In terms of how these vans perform as dropsides, there is no complaint to be had. Both perform just as you would expect a dropside body to, with the chassis cab of the Maxus eDeliver 9 offering a maximum payload of 1,290 ( it is worth noting that this does not take into account the weight of the dropside body, meaning the realistic payload is likely to be slightly less) and the MAN eTGE Dropside offering a payload of up to 820kg.
When it comes to style, these two really do give each other a run for their money, being equally modern looking and intuitively designed. In the cabin space of each of these respective vans, you’ll find a clear, light-up cockpit that is easy to view and understand, showing the necessary information regarding the vehicle’s charge levels and range. Both feature a multifunction steering wheel that allows for hands-free calling and music playback control, along with digital infotainment systems.
In the eTGE Dropside, this digital infotainment system includes inbuilt navigation as standard, which will show you the closest charging stations should they be needed when driving. The infotainment screen in the eDeliver 9 is slightly larger, utilising a 10” touchscreen, however it does not include navigation (although it can be used with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, so you could get maps this way).
As for storage, the eDeliver 9 is somewhat limited for space, merely offering a glovebox and some overhead storage along with some cupholder spaces, whilst the eTGE has storage in abundance, which you can read more about in our MAN eTGE Dropside Review.
The Verdict
Though neither of these vans are particularly ideal for motorway driving, we assume you’d use your dropside van moreso for use in urban areas and on site at your job anyway, which they can certainly manage with ease.
The Maxus eDeliver 9 Dropside does offer a slightly higher range and payload if you need to travel that bit further or frequently carry heavy loads to and from your working site. It can also be conveniently charged in just over half an hour when you’re caught in a pinch whilst out driving.
As for the MAN eTGE Dropside, this is an ideal van for anyone who predominantly uses their dropside van to transport materials daily across a site, with it being able to be charged at your place of work in relatively good time whenever it’s not in use.
If either of these vans sound ideal for you, then visit Vanaways. We have both of these brand new vans in stock and available on finance, so you don’t have to worry about investing a large sum of money in one go.
Get in touch with us today to find out more information and see what other electric vans we have in stock.
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